How long do I cook something at 350 instead of 450?
In this article, we will answer the question “How long do I cook something at 350 instead of 450?”, and what happens when you make temperature adjustments?
How long do I cook something at 350 instead of 450?
To adjust the cooking time for varying temperatures, you need to first figure out the percentage difference in temperature.
Figure out the percentage difference in the temperature
Start Temperature / End Temp = % Difference.
Adjust expended time
This is calculated by multiplying the initial time by the % difference.
Add a safety margin
Check a few minutes earlier than the calculated time just to be on the safe side.
Factors To Consider When Adjusting Cooking Times For Different Temperatures
Opening the oven
Opening the oven door repeatedly will result in losing the heat and the cooking time will be increased.
Space around the food
Spread the food evenly across the baking sheet to allow the heat to cook the food evenly from all directions.
Shelf height/position in the oven
Food place on the top rack of the oven will cook faster because it is closer to the heating element.
What happens If you make adjustments?
If you increase the temperature of the oven thinking It will hasten the cooking process, you are wrong. Doing this will result in an overly cooked or burnt exterior and an undercooked interior.
This undercooked interior especially in the case of meat and egg-based products can cause serious health problems. It will also impact the taste of your food so ultimately It is a bad idea because It’s a waste of money.
Similarly, if you are decreasing the cooking temperature, the cooking time will be increased. In some cases, It might become difficult to reach a safe internal temperature for some food products.
However, If you cook your food at a decreased temperature, you are most likely to get your food cooked just right. It is still risky as compared to cooking your food at increased temperatures.
The ‘Test early, Test often’ rule
If you are short on time and want to cook your food at an increased temperature, your best bet is to use the “Test early, Test often’ rule. For this, you will need a good food thermometer.
All you have to do is keep checking the internal temperature of your product after regular intervals. Doing this will, however, increase the cooking time anyway. The safe internal temperatures of various food products are given below.
| Ground beef, pork, veal, lamb | 160 degrees F |
| Ground turkey or chicken | 160 degrees F |
| Fresh beef, veal, lamb in steaks, roasts, or chops | 145 degrees F |
| All poultry | 160 degrees F |
| Fresh pork or ham | 145 degrees F |
| Egg dishes | 160 degrees F |
| Leftovers and casseroles | 165 degrees F |
| Fish with fins | 145 degrees F |
Alternative methods for adjusting cooking times
If you are in a hurry and want to adopt a reliable cooking method that involves high temperatures, go for a convection oven. A convection oven will cook your food faster as compared to a regular oven.
Another method is to wrap the dish completely with aluminum foil. This will keep the food from burning while making the cooking process faster.
How to cook two things at different temperatures?
The delicate food item is should be placed on the lower shelf and cooked at the lowest temperature. The other item will have a longer cooking time.
Most commonly used oven temperatures
| 100C = 200F | For slow cooking meats |
| 150C = 300F | regular slow roasting |
| 180C = 350F | For baking, cookies, cakes, or for roasting nuts. |
| 200C = 400F | For roasting vegetables, fruit, cooking baked dishes and for reheating any food item |
| 250C = 480F | Generally used for pizza, fast roast fish |
The ultimate oven temperature guide
Things cook faster at a higher temperature
Yes, a high temperature will naturally shorten the cooking time but be wary of burning your food in a hurry.
Most savory dishes are flexible with temperature
If you plan to cook sausage at 170C (325F) instead of 200C (400F), let me tell you the only difference this temperature shift will make is cooking time.
Most sweet bakes dishes are not so flexible
Burnt or uneven cooking is likely to happen more often in the case of sweet baked dishes when you increase the temperature. The food may become overbaked before you know it
Fan assisted ovens to cook quicker
The oven with fans will need a lower temperature than the temperature required by the recipe. Typically 20C / 50F less.
Other FAQs about Ovens that you may be interested in.
How long can an oven be left on?
What is the best temperature to reheat food in an oven?
How does an electric oven work?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long do I cook something at 350 instead of 450?”, and what happens when you make temperature adjustments?
If you’ve enjoyed ”How long do I cook something at 350 instead of 450?”, take a look at ”How long to cook something at 325 instead of 350? (+3 factors)” too.
